Asparagus risotto

Risotto is a great way to make the most of top-notch British asparagus. Try it topped with homemade parmesan crisps.

Ingredients

For the risotto

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 200g/7oz risotto rice (eg carnaroli or arborio)
• 250ml/9fl oz white wine
• 500ml/18fl oz hot vegetable stock
• 4 asparagus spears, blanched, chopped
• 25g/1oz unsalted butter
• 75g/2¾oz parmesan, grated
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the parmesan crisps

• 150g/5½oz parmesan, grated

Preparation method

1. For the risotto, heat the oil in a frying pan and gently fry the shallot and garlic until softened but not coloured.
2. Add the rice and fry for one minute, stirring frequently, until coated in the oil.
3. Add the wine and simmer until absorbed by the rice.
4. Add the hot vegetable stock a ladleful at a time, stirring between each addition to allow the liquid to be completely absorbed, until the rice is cooked and all the stock has been absorbed.
5. Add the asparagus, butter and parmesan, season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir well.
6. For the parmesan crisps, place six small handfuls of grated parmesan onto a non-stick baking sheet at wide intervals. Press the piles of parmesan down to flatten them, then transfer to the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, until golden-brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and set.
7. To serve, divide the risotto equally among two serving dishes and top with the parmesan crisps.